Lucky Charm (Lucky 1)

“For now,” Derek said.

Gabrielle nodded. “Just don’t leave town,” she said, turning her back on the other man and walking away.

Derek jogged after her. “Just don’t leave town? What kind of bad TV cop language was that?”

“So sue me. It was all I could think of on short notice.” She strode to the vehicle, her hair swaying as she moved. “God, that was useless.”

Derek shook his head. “Maybe not. He’ll be nervous now. If he’s behind it, he might make a mistake.”

“Do you think he’s the one blackmailing Sharon?”

Derek leaned against his car. “I have no idea. I guess we’ll know more after we hit the Wave tonight.”

“Speaking of the Wave, will you dance with me tonight?” she asked, her eyes sparkling

with anticipation.

“I’m surprised you’d want to. The last time we danced together—”

“We had fun at the prom, didn’t we?”

He’d bet Gabrielle deliberately cut him off before he could discuss their last night together—and the horrible way things had ended the next day.

“We did.” He still remembered picking her up at her parents’ house. She came down the stairs wearing a gorgeous off-white ruffled dress that bared one shoulder and draped her curves perfectly.

He hadn’t gone to the prom that night knowing he was going to break up with her right afterward. As a result, they’d enjoyed a very special evening. The next day, a letter he’d sent to his birth mother had been returned to him, unread and marked Return to Sender. Obviously, she hadn’t wanted to hear from him.

That was when he’d decided he had to insulate himself and the people he loved from the pain associated with the curse. Breaking up with Gabrielle had seemed like the only way to protect both of them from imminent future anguish.

“Well, I want to dance tonight, so be ready,” she said, obviously not thinking about what had happened after the prom.

“You got it,” he said. If she could put it behind her, then so should he. “What are you doing this afternoon? I’m taking Holly swimming. Want to come?”

“I’d love to. Unfortunately, I promised Sharon I’d come by and keep her calm this afternoon. She’ll be climbing the walls waiting for tonight. Although I can’t imagine this guy showing up now that we’ve confronted him.” Gabrielle glanced back toward the apartment building.

Derek shrugged. “He’s not just going to drop his plan. Let’s take it one step at a time, okay?”

“Okay.”

“So how about you invite Sharon? There’s nothing like some sun, sand and preteen chatter to get her mind off her problems.”

“Good idea!”

Later that afternoon, he was forced to rethink the wisdom of his invitation when he caught sight of Gabrielle in a sleek one-piece bathing suit, looking sexier than any woman had a right to. With his daughter around, he had to keep his hands to himself, and he realized he’d signed up for an afternoon of pure torture. And he had only himself to blame.

GABRIELLE HAD PROPOSED THEY arrive early at the Wave so her friend could have a drink or two to relax. Sharon was a basket case, and Gabrielle didn’t blame her. She’d told Sharon that they had found and questioned Tony DeCarlo earlier this afternoon. Like Gabrielle, Sharon was disappointed they hadn’t found out anything and was skeptical about Tony’s supposed change for the better. Because if he was telling the truth, somebody else was blackmailing Sharon. And that was an even more frightening concept.

While they waited for Derek to arrive, Gabrielle intended to question the club’s owner, George Saybrook. Known as Curious George—as a bartender, he’d asked questions instead of dispensing advice—George knew everything about everyone in Perkins and Stewart. Gabrielle had never met George, but his reputation preceded him.

According to Sharon, that hadn’t changed. Neither had the fact that people from both towns gave Curious George’s bar their business. Then a few years ago, old George had a heart attack and his son, Seth, had taken over. Based on what Sharon had told her this afternoon, Seth had gone to college, majored in marketing, returned home and immediately renovated the old bar into a nightclub that attracted a younger, hip crowd. But old George still worked the bar, and before Derek showed up, Gabrielle wanted to talk to George about the past. Curses, in particular.

With Sharon by her side, Gabrielle sidled up to the bar and luckily they snagged two seats.

George, whom Gabrielle had never met, immediately noticed two new patrons and walked over. Despite his cartoon nickname, Curious George was a fine-looking man. Tall and distinguished-looking, at seventy-five George had a full head of white hair and a bright smile. Whether or not the teeth were his own, that was his secret to keep.

“Sharon, how are you and that politician fiancé of yours?” he asked.

“We’re doing great, George. Are you still spreading the word to vote for Richard?” Sharon asked.